Florida Has Terrible Motorcycle Crash Statistics

A report from the National Highway Safety Board has revealed disturbing statistics about motorcycle riders in the State of Florida. NBC Miami reported on the data. Here’s what was discovered about riders in 2015

9,000 motorcycle accidents in the state.

606 of them were fatal. This is a 30% increase from the prior year.

Florida leads the nation in fatal motorcycle crashes.

Miami-Dade County had the most deaths at 67 and most crashes happened in South Florida.

What are the causes of so many fatal crashes? One cause is definitely helmet usage. Just under half of riders actually wear helmets regularly in Florida according to the study, though over 80% reported that they do. Failing to wear a helmet greatly increases the risks of riding a motorcycle.

Also, around 15% of riders don’t carry insurance. This presents hospitals with burdens on what care to provide to control costs beyond life-saving procedures, and it can financially ruin the riders without it if a crash happens.

If you ride in South Florida, take precautions. Wear full safety gear and take a training course. You can’t control the other drivers on the road, but you can control yourself. Stay safe out there and look twice.